Le Marais — The Most Diverse District

The Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissement) is Parisian diversity in a compact space: Renaissance city palaces next to hip concept stores, the historic Jewish community alongside the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, falafel stands next to Galeries Lafayette. The Marais is the only district that escaped Haussmann's major urban renewal in the 19th century — hence the medieval and Renaissance buildings have been preserved.

Highlights in the Marais

• Place des Vosges: The oldest planned square in Paris (1612, Henry IV) — a perfect square of red brick facades with arcades. Victor Hugo lived here (No. 6, now a museum, free). Under the arcades: art galleries and cafes. In the park in the middle: picnics, children, sunbathing.
• Musée Carnavalet: The museum of the history of Paris — from the founding of Lutetia to the present. 625,000 objects in two Renaissance palaces. Free and excellent. Recently renovated.
• Centre Pompidou: Renzo Piano's and Richard Rogers' radically modern cultural center (1977) — all pipes, ducts, and staircases are on the outside, color-coded. Inside: the Musée National d'Art Moderne (largest collection of modern art in Europe). The rooftop terrace offers a panorama over all of Paris. Admission: 15€.
• Rue des Rosiers: The heart of the Jewish quarter (Pletzl) — here kosher bakeries, delicatessens, and the most famous falafel shops in Paris line up.

Food & Drink in the Marais

• L'As du Fallafel: The legendary falafel pita (8€) on Rue des Rosiers — the queue is part of the experience. Allegedly the best falafel in Europe (Lenny Kravitz is a regular).
• Chez Janou: The best profiteroles (chocolate cream puffs) in Paris and over 80 types of pastis. Reservation recommended.
• Breizh Café: The best crêpes and galettes (buckwheat crêpes) in the city — traditional Breton cuisine, modernly interpreted.
• Jacques Genin: World-class patisserie craftsmanship: millefeuille, tarts, and hot chocolate that is addictive.